An experienced hang glider has vanished ‘out of the blue’ in a case that has left authorities puzzled. Meanwhile, frantic search efforts have been hampered by powerful coastal gusts
A frantic search is underway for a hang glider who vanished in a popular tourist hotspot, leaving authorities perplexed. It’s understood that the missing 59-year-old man is an experienced hang glider pilot, and that he hasn’t been seen since yesterday afternoon.
The unnamed man, who is said to be from the local area, disappeared after reportedly losing altitude while gliding off the New South Wales Mid North Coast, in Australia, not long after launching off Lindeman’s Point, some 129km south of Port Macquarie, near Forster.
A fellow glider who launched just after the missing man, before crashing into the water below, was the one to report the disappearance, at approximately 4pm yesterday. Thankfully, this second glider was unharmed following this ordeal.
The gliding point in question is close to the scenic Booti Booti National Park, a beauty spot beloved by outdoorsy types for its breathtaking beaches and adventurous hiking trails. Now the sandy dunes of Elizabeth Beach have been photographed for a very different reason.
READ MORE: Police share new CCTV from inside library as hunt for missing sex offender continues
As reported by news.com.au, Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry deployed rescue vessel Forster 30 alongside a crew of volunteers, who scoured the area from Seven Mile Beach to Elizabeth Beach until 8.30 pm yesterday, with the search resuming today.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade previously stated: “Forster 30 is conducting a parallel-line search with Water Police from Lindeman Cove in the north to Blueys Head in the south, with communications supported by radio operators from Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry.”
Unfortunately, the Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry crew has faced significant hurdles in their search and, after spending more than six hours searching the waters south of Forster, has been forced to stand down for the day at around 3pm local time, with strong winds hampering their efforts.
In an update shared on the Marine Rescue NSW website, Inspector Courtney Greenslade explained: “Unfortunately, conditions deteriorated offshore and the crew has returned to base after conducting a parallel line search from Lindeman Cove to Blueys Head alongside the Water Police.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers remain on standby to further assist the search, should they be requested by NSW Police Marine Area Command.”
Meanwhile, speaking with ABC News Australia today, Inspector David Coyle with Manning Great Lakes Police District has described the unfolding incident as having come “out of the blue”. Inspector Coyle remarked: “He’s a local man who is very, very experienced at what he does. Yesterday was very much out of the blue.” He added: “Family members are present here, and they’re being supported by friends.”
Meanwhile, Graeme Cran, a paraglider with Mid North Coast Flyers, told the outlet: “Booti Booti is not an inherently dangerous site, but any aviation sport is inherently dangerous. If you land in the ocean with a hang glider, you’re in trouble, as they do sink. You have to get out of the harness before hitting the water or as soon as possible. We train for these situations.”
Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]
READ MORE: Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner living in tent in forest after release